New York nail salons exposed for wage exploitation

World Today

A recent New York Times expose on nail salons in New York State has officials cracking down on the industry there. The report revealed widespread wage exploitation and dangerous working conditions within the industry. The revelations drew outrage from nail salon owners and prompted a multi-agency investigation. CCTV’s correspondent Liling Tan filed this report.
Follow Liling Tan on Twitter @LilingTan

Highlights:

  • The issue began with a series of New York Times articles on the hidden costs of cheap manicures
  • It painted a picture of an industry dominated by Korean owners, who hired immigrants.
  • This is more than just a New York story. Given the labor issues and the use of largely unregulated chemicals in the industry nationwide, it has also drawn the attention of the federal government.